My wife and I have had our getaway for 3 seasons and did not purchase the wing seats and we do not regret the decision at all. We have thoroughly enjoyed sailing the boat in a wide range of wind conditions with as many as 5 people aboard.

Try your boat out when the spring comes and see what you think, you will always be able to the wings later if you choose. I can understand why some people would like them, but they just aren't for me. I would definitely recommend the trapeze set-up if you don't have that already.

I bought my getaway used. It had the wing seats already and I have to say they are a nice feature. They provide a nice back rest if you're sitting on one of the hulls or if sitting on the wing seat, they provide you with a higher point of view and keep you a little dryer from wave splash. I've never sailed my getaway without them but I have sailed Hobie 16's without wings and I will never go back. I just don't see a disadvantage to them unless you're racing.

I believe the dealer is the only place to get them but I have seen homemade versions. Aluminum tubing for the supports, C-channel aluminum for the bench and some brackets and bolts and your in business.

I love my wing seats, its one of the reasons why I moved from the 16 to the Getaway. The only downside is when the wind picks up and you start to lift a hull the wing on the leeward side digs into the water and really slows the boat down. For me the comfort thing far outweighs the wing digging in part.

_________________06 getaway -- always remember, man with both feet in mouth have no leg to stand on.

Wings are great, they are standard on the H17. I've sailed with (H17) and without Bravo, Wave, H14, H16 and Getaway. The wings allow you to get your weight out without trapping. They also make great back rest and side rails. The only draw back, as Roy mentioned, is that you can not do a 'High Fly' without dragging the leeward wing in the water.

Never tried this since I am a new Getaway owner, but here is a suggestion: If you are on a long run, maybe you could pin the leeward hull wing in the temporary/storage position? Just a thought...

It's not the seat itself that drags in the water but the support bar that attaches to the side of the hull at the end of the center crossbar. It's high up on the side of the hull so it only drags if you're really flying high. Either way, it's always going to drag if you get enough lift whether pinned up or down.

You should be able to lift a hull more if you stow the leeward wing, but it seems like too much hassle to me.

I have wings but I usually use the boat without them, and I also replaced the bolt and nuts with bolts and rings so I can take the wings off or put them on rapidly. I also have two traps and regularly double trap on the getaway.

It really all depends on how you are using the boat. If you want a more thrilling ride and have enough wind at the place you regularly sail to lift a hull (and like lifting a hull), I recommend to try it with no wings and traps. If you want a more comfortable and relaxed ride, or you want to sail with loads of people (6-7), then you should probably have wings.